VALTARI

No reviews? That's just ludicrous, as this album should be one of the most anticipated return-to-form records out there right now simply because Sigur Ros promised it. They also achieved it which is all the more reason to get this record.

Ambiance has always been a strong part of Sigur Ros' music, that's one of the main forces behind their music, such atmospheric and emotionally drenched piano and guitar playing matched with the ambiance Jonsi's vocals naturally provide. But with Valtari, every square inch of the album is ambiance and it benefits so much from it. There are still the pieces that wind up and crash down but now there's a much more ambient base to them. One reviewer on another site suggest you listen to "Ekki Mukk" while watching an avalanche in slow-motion and that was spot on. That track and the others have that epicness to them which has made Sigur Ros such a great band from an emotional standpoint but now the ambiance gives them an altogether personal touch which they had flirted at but never achieved.

A return to form, and much more, Sigur Ros is back with Valtari and album which may prove better than even Agaetis Byrjun with repeated listens.